County sends vehicle fee to voters

Washington County commissioners voted Tuesday to put a proposed $30-a-year vehicle registration fee on the ballot in November.

The decision followed a a two-hour public hearing in which 19 county citizens, mayors and business owners told the board about their concerns ranging from tire-eating potholes to corporate tax breaks for large companies such as Intel.

Money raised through the registration fee would be earmarked for road maintenance alone. Under the $30 annual fee per car, roads would be maintained. If the fee is bumped up to the $43 maximum allowed by the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles, bridges would also be maintained.

Beaverton Mayor Denny Doyle told the board that good roads were key to a thriving economy. It will cost five or 10 times as much if we wait to do the repairs. I fully support the ordinance. It will protect quality of life. We must be proactive in our efforts to move this forward and get this on the ballot, Doyle told the board.

State gas tax funds has declined as cars become more energy-efficient, draining funds for maintenance of local roads. Washington County's proposal was carried over from last year and is a political hot button. Portland's City Council has been under fire for its proposed street fee to pay for repairs.

County Commissioner Roy Rogers spoke up early in the session in favor of a public vote. Commissioner Bob Terry, one of three commissioners re-elected in May, also said his constituents want this to go to a public vote.